Blacking a Tape with Specific Timecode

by David Cox

Originally Published Tue, Feb 11, 2003
Modified Thu, Feb 13, 2003

If you are going to an audio mix, you must have a blacked DV tape prior to printing to video. The timecode on the tape should be:

• Drop / Non-Drop setting must match your sequence settings

• Timecode should start at 00:58:30.00

• Should be blacked longer than the project by at least 5 minutes

You can black your tape using a Sony DSR-80 in the CMB Grad Machine Room (contact Susanne Kraft for access) or in the DV Lab (CMA4.206E)

Using a DSR-80:

• Set Video Input to Composite

• Set Counter Select to TC

• Patch Black to the Composite Video Input (the flashing Composite Indicator should go solid)

• No audio patch is necessary (tape will be silent)

• On the Flip-Down control surface, press Menu > Setup Menu > Timecode >

o TC Mode = INT

o Run Mode = REC

o DF Mode = DF or NDF depending on which drop frame mode your sequence uses

• Then press Set

• Press TC Preset Button on Flip-Down control surface

• Using the arrow buttons, type in the starting timecode (00:58:30.00)

• Then press Set

Insert your tape, rewind it to the beginning and press Play and Record simultaneously. Be sure to record more black than you'll need (at least 5 minutes more than your project's length).

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